In a recent interview with Sirius XM host Megyn Kelly, Republican Florida Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis faced a direct question about a potential pardon for former President Donald Trump. As Trump finds himself caught in legal battles, including a forthcoming indictment regarding the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the topic of a potential pardon has gained significant attention. DeSantis, known for his views on government weaponization, provides an intriguing response that sheds light on his stance and the potential implications for the country.
The Question of Pardoning Donald Trump
Megyn Kelly wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter, asking DeSantis if he would commit to pardoning Trump on any federal charges against him. DeSantis, known for his straightforward approach, responded by emphasizing his commitment to doing what is best for the country. He expressed concerns about the idea of an almost-80-year-old former president going to prison, emphasizing the need for a fresh start and a focus on the issues affecting the nation.
“Well, what I’ve said is very simple: I’m gonna do what’s right for the country,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think it would be good for the country to have an almost-80-year-old former president go to prison.”
“So that’s a yes,” Kelly pushed.
Drawing Parallels to Past Presidential Pardons
DeSantis drew a parallel to former President Gerald Ford, who famously pardoned Richard Nixon. Despite facing criticism for his decision, Ford believed it was necessary to move the country forward and leave behind the controversies of the past. DeSantis’s reference to Ford’s pardon suggests a willingness to consider the potential benefits of a pardon for Trump, highlighting the desire for unity and progress.
“It just doesn’t seem like it would be a very good thing,” DeSantis continued. “And I look at Ford, who pardoned Nixon, and took some heat for it, but at the end of the day it’s like, do we want to move forward as a country, or do we want to be mired in these past controversies? And I think the public wants a fresh start, I think they want somebody that’s going to focus on their issues. We’ve had a lot that’s happened over the last five or six years. I get that, but going forward, we got all these issues that we’ve gotta deal with.”
DeSantis’s Commitment to Pardoning “Normal” Americans
While discussing his views on the potential pardon for Trump, DeSantis also emphasized his commitment to wielding the pardon power to help “normal” Americans who may have been unfairly targeted. He criticized the Biden administration for what he perceives as the weaponization of the Department of Justice and the FBI to target political opponents. By highlighting his dedication to holding those in power accountable and offering relief to unjustly targeted individuals, DeSantis positions himself as a defender of the people.
Trump’s Target Letter and Ongoing Investigations
The discussion of a potential pardon for Trump is rooted in the legal challenges he currently faces. Trump received a target letter from Special Counsel Jack Smith, informing him of an investigation into his alleged role in the Capitol riot. The target letter cited three statutes, including conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under a civil rights statute, and tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. Additionally, Trump faces the possibility of a third indictment related to allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.
DeSantis’s Public Opposition to Trump’s Indictments
DeSantis has been vocal in his opposition to Trump’s indictments, accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, as well as the federal government, of politically targeting the former president. He has consistently expressed his support for Trump and his belief that the indictments are unjust. DeSantis went so far as to announce that Florida would not be involved in the extradition process during Trump’s first indictment by Bragg’s office, further solidifying his stance.
The Public’s Desire for a Fresh Start
DeSantis’s remarks about moving forward as a country and leaving behind past controversies resonate with the public’s desire for a fresh start. After years of political division and turmoil, many Americans long for a leader who can focus on addressing pressing issues and uniting the nation. DeSantis’s acknowledgment of this sentiment positions him as a potential candidate who can offer a new beginning.
Conclusion
The question of whether Ron DeSantis would pardon Donald Trump if elected president has sparked significant interest and discussion. DeSantis’s response, emphasizing the need for a fresh start and his commitment to doing what is best for the country, provides insight into his stance on this controversial topic. As Trump faces legal challenges and potential indictments, the possibility of a pardon carries implications for the future of the nation. DeSantis’s willingness to draw parallels to past presidential pardons and his commitment to wielding the pardon power for the benefit of “normal” Americans further showcases his approach to leadership. Ultimately, the decision of whether to pardon Trump rests in the hands of the American people, who must weigh the potential benefits and consequences for the country’s future.